WADING WOES

July 8, 2008 - Its no revelation that wading opportunities for fly-fisherman begin to wane as we invade upon the mid-summer season. Warming coastal water temperatures and increase inshore activities are no doubt the main culprits. Larger striped bass and bluefish have moved off shore with the proliferation of more substantial forage. With this in mind hope still remains for the wading angler.

The two largest striped bass of my life were taken during the month of July as evidence. Over the years I had developed an affection for Ballston Beach in Truro. Initially driven there by the frustration and futility of summertime wading, I think I sought an alternative to estuaries and flats angling that offered the potential for success along with the prospect of solitude. As time passed I began to understand the geographical integrity and nuances of this surf beach. Frequently occupied by beach-goers, tourists and hikers during daylight, the early morning and late evening hours often offered the isolation in combination with outstanding summer fishing that had eluded me. By nature an early riser (real early), it wasn't difficult to adjust my summer angling routine to accommodate this new approach. While not in any way opposed to boat angling (God knows I've done my share over the years), it becomes really about the quest. The quest of taking a large striper with a fly rod, feet securely planted in beach sand, totally in control of your environment.

BELIZE
To all our friends and customers that have initiated fly fishing vacations to the stunning country of Belize. The following is an excerpt from a letter received from Craig Hayes of Turniffe Flats.

As reported by Angling Trade Magazine June, 2008…

"Recently, Friends of Turniffe Atoll, Inc., a non-profit company initiated by Turniffe Flats, funded a major study entitled 'Economic Impact of Recreational Fishing for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon in Belize for 2007.'"

The study provides decision makers in Belize with the information needed to proceed with the best possible policy for Belize regarding these species. Many of us in Belize, including Belize River Lodge, El Pescador, Jim Scott and others, have been working to get theses three species protected and feel, at this point, that protection should take the form of designating bonefish, permit and tarpon as catch-and-release species only.

Belize's minister of tourism, Minister Heredia and the minister of agriculture and fisheries, Minister Montero declared support for this approach and we are quite hopeful that the process will continue to move forward. Legislation to designate bonefish, permit and tarpon as sportfish, for catch and release only, was recently drafted."

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB